Day Trips from Galway to Aran and Clare

November 5, 2026

Choosing a day trip

Galway sits between three very different landscapes: the Atlantic islands to the west, the mountains and bogs of Connemara to the north-west, and the limestone Burren and sea cliffs of County Clare to the south. Each one is a full day. All prices are in euro.

Inis Mór and Dún Aonghasa

Aran Island Ferries runs from Rossaveel all year. A shuttle bus leaves Victoria Place in Galway and takes about 50 minutes, and the crossing to Inis Mór takes about 40 minutes. Adult return is €34 and the Galway bus is €10 return. Hire a bike at Kilronan pier (the ferry company carries bikes for €15 return) or take a horse-drawn carriage.

Dún Aonghasa is about 7 km from Kilronan and a 1 km uphill walk from the visitor centre. Entry is €5 for adults. The cliff edge has no fence and falls about 87 m, so keep back from it. Boots help on the wet limestone. Check Heritage Ireland for hours.

Connemara National Park

Letterfrack is about 80 km from the city. Entry and parking at the park are free. The visitor centre opens Wednesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:30, while the park stays open daily and closes in orange or red weather warnings. Diamond Hill has a lower loop and an upper loop, and the upper route is about 6.2 km, takes around 2 hours and climbs 400 m. It is graded strenuous. Mist can arrive fast, so carry waterproofs and stay on the marked trail. See the park page .

Kylemore Abbey is about 5 km from Letterfrack and combines with the park in one long day.

Cliffs of Moher and the Burren

The cliffs are about 75 km from Galway, 1.5 to 2 hours by road. Admission includes parking. The 2026 gate price is €15 for adults, and booking ahead online costs less. The coastal path to Hag’s Head is closed. The path from Doolin runs only to Surfers Path and does not reach the visitor experience, so do not plan a walk between them. Poulnabrone portal tomb on the Burren is a free Neolithic monument beside the road.

Killary Fjord

Killary Fjord Boat Tours sails from Nancy’s Point near Leenane from April to October. The cruise lasts about 90 minutes and adult tickets are listed at around €26.

Getting there without a car

Citylink route 923 runs Galway to Clifden via Letterfrack, and Bus Éireann route 419 runs Galway to Clifden via Oughterard. Last buses leave early in the evening.